Tucked in at the end of the shopping craze spurred on by Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy. Highly dependent upon social media and the power of a hashtag, non-profits worldwide are supported through businesses, organizations and the communities they impact. With a 57-year-long tradition of fundraising within Federal workplaces, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has raised over $8 billion for charitable organizations in 36 CFC zones across the world-- they're clearly doing something right. In addition to the relentless marketing that most of us experienced while we were on active duty, the social media marketing campaign developed by the CFC helps promote the deserving non-profits that are eligible for donations, most of which ultimately impact the military and veteran communities.

Image courtesy of Grace's Table

With a digital campaign meant to be accessible anywhere in the world, it seems only fitting that Facebook's activist nature finds a way to fill the demand and make donating even more accessible. In 2017, 473,000 people donated to over 46,000 organizations-- 75% of whom were first-time donors. For the organizations that benefit the veteran and military community, those funds cover everything from the cost of a new home or training a service dog, to helping a veteran suit up to transition into a civilian workplace.

In case you weren't already thinking of donating on #GivingTuesday, maybe Facebook or the Gates Foundation will inspire you. Facebook is eliminating their 5% processing fee for the day, in hopes that their total from digital donors exceeds the $45 million processed last year. Both Facebook and the Gates Foundation are also matching donations: their cap is $2 million with $1,000 max per individual fundraiser page and $50,000 per non-profit. Both the fee elimination and gift matching begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. (EST).

Many companies also match their employees' donations, check here to see if yours is one of them.

Which leaves only one question, on the largest day of giving, which organization will you choose?

Image courtesy of Combined Federal Campaign

The campaign season started September 10 and runs through January 11, 2019. Funds raised in that time benefit eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

For a breakdown of organizations to safely donate to through the Combined Federal Campaign (and vetted by Charity Navigator), click here. To find local organizations campaigning near you, click here.